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Amelia woke early, picking up her things she headed toward the door, a hand on her chest. It hurt, Mahal it hurt! She would do as Thorin asked, she would leave after the conquered the mountain, after she saved them all. That thought becoming less and less able. A tall elf walked towards her, his golden hair glittering in the morning light.
He bowed low, "Good morning, my lady, your presence has been requested." Amelia looked over her shoulder towards the dwarf's make shift camp, then to the sun. She had time, she would need to quick but she was in the home of the elves who was she to deny their request. Nodding her head she followed. "I am Glorfindel, my lady, I am one of Lord Elrond's most trusted advisors." Amelia hummed. "Which is why he confided in us the truth about you." Amelia stopped short staring at the elf, eyes narrowed.
"He should not have done that, what I told him was done in confidence." Amelia stated calmly. Glorfindel continued to walk forcing Amelia to jog to catch up, luckily she had changed into her travel clothes out of those elven dresses.
"Yes, I understand you point though he only spoke to me because of me, how should we say, interesting appearance." Glorfindel noted her silence and continued. "I was died in the first age, with the fall of Gondolin. But I suspect you know this."
"Yes and no. I had known about Glorfindel of Gondolin and his death with the Balrog. I also know about the Glorfindel of Rivendell it has been speculation of whether or not they were the same elf."
"Hmm interesting, Lord Elrond warned me about your knowledge and that I shouldn't question its source but still it is fascinating. Yes, all you say is true, during the war with Sauron the Valar sent me back to aid the free people in defeating him." Glorfindel finished.
"That was why Lord Elrond sent you, isn't it? Because we are similar in that the Valar sent us to aid someone."
"Yes, I took and arrow for Lord Elrond during the war, he told me after I recovered that he would have died if I hadn't. Does this sound familiar to you?"
Amelia continued to walk in deep thought, she was not the first that the Valar had sent to aid people. The difference between them were obvious, he was a warrior strong and well known and Lord Elrond was destined to found Rivendell, father Arwen . . . She was nothing, not anything different not a warrior or a Lord, she was not destined to found anything. She knew the other book was chronically after the Hobbit, though the story she could not remember, regardless in that story Thorin, Fili, and Kili were all dead. She wondered briefly what helping would change.
"I can see in your eyes that you believe us, you and myself to be very different in both circumstances and in character. However, do you know what it is I see? I see two people who wanted nothing more than to help, Lord Elrond, who as you may already now was the great grandson of my King, and you want nothing more than to help preserve the Line of Durin. After the war I thought to myself why me? What made me so special, more so than a number of other elven warriors who would help?"
"And your answer?" Amelia asked on bated breathe. "I myself wonder that every day. I am no warrior, no lord. I cannot even bring the knowledge on how to save them."
"Yet here you are, I had simply accepted that I just was. The Valar could have chosen anyone and they chose me, I had accepted that instead of trying to figure out why I should just do whatever I could to help those I cared for. Then, Lord Elrond brought you to me. He confided in me, because of my circumstance, you must understand. When I told him all that I have told you he smiled. Do you know what he told me?"
Amelia shook her head.
"I will never know why the Valar sent me, but to everyone around me it was obvious. You do not know why the Valar sent you, but if you asked anyone in the company they would agree that it could have been only you. Perhaps you are not a warrior, nor a lord, and they even took your memory from you. However, what the others see is a confidant. I have seen how the other members talk to you, confide in you, and depend on you. They see a woman sacrificing everything to help, even those perhaps undeserving. . ." Amelia knew Glorfindel meant Thorin. "You may not know the future, but what you do know you struggle to change." Glorfindel turned a corner and Lord Elrond stood an arm extended in invitation. "I hope this helps to calm you, even if it hasn't know this. We are one in the same, should you ever question your purpose, and I will listen and understand." With that Glorfindel handed Amelia off to Lord Elrond.
"You told." Amelia accused as they walked.
"Yes, I had hoped that Lord Glorfindel would shed some light on this situation."
"And did he?"
"Yes, though I sent him in hopes that he would ease your heart." Amelia nodded thoughtfully. "Did he, help?"
"Help, yes I suppose he did. I realized, perhaps I'm not alone. I'm still skeptical of why me? But I will accept what Glorfindel said and just accept that it was me."
Lord Elrond sighed, he had hoped she would gain more from her conversation with Glorfindel but he supposed it was a start. "You will be meeting with Lady Galadriel, she is here already to talk with Gandalf about what Radagast had found. She wished to meet you." Lord Elrond stopped at the base of a set of stairs. He motioned for Amelia to go ahead. "I shall wait here."
Amelia took a breathe and nodded climbing the steps silently. She was going to meet Lady Galadriel. . .oh. As she reached the top step she noticed a she-elf at the top. She had long, wavy silver-blonde hair. Her eyes were blue and Amelia felt as if they were piercing her soul. Welcome daughter of another world.
"Hello." Amelia replied slightly on edge with her voice in her head. Lady Galadriel smiled and continued to walk around small circle, Amelia's eyes on her the whole time. "What can I do for you?"
"You are fading." She stated. Amelia's heart leapt in her chest.
"I'm not—I thought only elves could fade."
"That is true. If you choose elvish life you will fade."
"What do you mean if I choose?" Amelia asked confused.
"You are from a world with no magic, elves, dwarves, or hobbits. The only kind your world has is man. The Valar chose you and when the time comes they shall ask you what you wish."
Amelia looked toward the Lady unsure.
"You may chose to go home, back to your world. However, should you chose to stay they will allow you take on the life span of any of our kind." Galadriel looked to the hurting woman sadly Do not be quick to decide. I see great happiness in your future, but great sadness. Your choice is yet before you.
Amelia's heart thumped in her chest, what would she chose? You must tell no one about your choice. Should you tell the Valar will take that from you and send you back. But worry not young one, you are strong and you are not alone. Do not let the harsh words of one, with the weight of the world on his shoulders, tell you otherwise.
"Thank you, Lady Galadriel." Amelia nodded before walking away. She would save them, even Thorin. She is not alone, Glorfindel and Galadriel, Gandalf and even Elrond. No she was not alone she mused. Thorin could push her away as much as he wanted but that would stop her from helping him and his kin. She would fight the pain in her heart, they needed her right now. As she descended a voice rung in her heard The Valar chose you for everything that makes you. Do not change yourself, grow yes but not change.
Amelia nodded to Lord Elrond and all but ran back to the dwarven camp, they were not leaving without her. Bursting into the camp several dwarves looked up at her surprised.
"Are you feeling better Lassie?" Oin asked walking toward Amelia. Grey eyes wandered to Thorin before quickly looking down, her heart pained.
"Yes. Much, I did not mean to worry anyone. We are heading out soon yes?"
Fili came up, concern in his eyes. He grabbed her hand pulling her forward, their foreheads touching. "I'm glad you are well. We are leaving now. Come." With that he pulled her hand, leading her towards Kili who stood by Dwalin and Ori.
Dwalin looked up making eye contact, a fractioned nod was all he needed to know nothing has changed. The fear and pain in her eyes though made him pause. He turned to see if Balin had noticed only to see Thorin watching them, an intense look in his eyes. Frowning he looked back at Amelia, the look clicking. So Thorin had talked to her, not going well he had assumed. He looked to Balin, they needed to talk.
Thorin took the lead, the rest of the company falling behind. Fili and Kili talked merrily, Amelia between them. The emotions of the company as a whole was rising, happy to be away from the elves. Amelia paused when she saw Bilbo looking back towards Rivendell.
Be on you guard; we're about to step over the edge of the Wild. Balin, you know these paths; lead on." Thorin commanded.
"Aye." Nodded Balin taking the lead.
"Master Baggins, I suggest you keep up." Thorin admonished. Amelia left the brother's side walking over to Bilbo.
"Come on Bilbo." Amelia grabbed his hand making him follow, well aware of his own feelings about leaving the elves, the dread for the unknown mirrored within herself.
That night they rested, the fire was warm, the food hearty. Amelia found herself once again leaning on Fili, Kili on his other side. Try as she might to follow Thorin's orders her heart would not allow her to stay from his side.
Fili had noticed something different about Amelia, his brother said she may just be sick. He didn't believe it, not for a second. Already their bond was strong, even if she didn't know. He could feel her fear and pain. The only problem is he didn't know why, and surrounded by the company was no place for him to inquire.
Meanwhile Dwalin and Balin were discussing Amelia far from the earshot of any of the company.
"He spoke to her?" Dwalin commented
"Aye, he did. I questioned him." Balin added his headed nodding solemnly.
"What did he say?"
"He hadn't told me exactly, but from the way that she avoids him and the way that he glares when she is with Fili. I can only assume he forbid their relation, perhaps even said she would never be accepted."
Dwalin bristled, Thorin is his King. "Aye, and he was right. She is not a dwarf, she would never be fully accepted, especially not as Queen."
"How can you say that? She has given us everything she had. She has been thrown into something that was never hers to begin with. She has fought for us, lost sleep, she has given more than some of our own kin!" Balin defended fiercely.
"Is that your answer you would chose this human over our king?!" Dwalin demanded.
"I am choosing to keep him alive! He cannot continue to admonish and push her away! If he continues to tear at her, what holds her here to help us? Nothing! And then we have lost them all!" Balin fought back, his warrior ferocity coming to light.
"And we cannot? We have fought beside him since the day Smaug took our home! We do not need her help!" With that Dwalin walked away, no one would question his king or his loyalty.
Amelia looked up when Dwalin came stomping back into the camp. The fierce anger on his face kept her from inquiring. Balin came in a few moments later, just as angry. They sat away from each other and refused to look at each other. Amelia looked to Fili worried, he too was frowning at the scene. He looked down at Amelia, quickly kissing her on the head and telling her to sleep.
The next morning was a tense one, Balin and Dwalin were at odds. Balin lead the path, Thorin close behind him, Dwalin at the rear. Amelia fidgeted behind Bifur Fili behind her.
He grunted some things and made a few hand gestures, Amelia assumed they were to be soothing. She smiled at him gently.
"Bifur." She called garnering his attention. "Thank you, you are a great friend. I am glad to have you by my side."
Bifur muttered a few things a blush barely noticeable on his face. There was not much more talk that night and Amelia found herself leaning on Fili when a shadow fell over her.
"Can I speak with you, Lass?" Bofur questioned. Amelia nodded leaving Fili's side following silently. Once they were far enough away Bofur continued.
"You've been quiet Lass, don't worry I'll let you come to me if you need to talk. That isn't the reason I've come to you." Bofur looked at his hands frowning. "My cousin, he's never been the same since that axe wound you know. He cannot really speak and when he does it's in broken Khuzdul you know. Anyway since his wound some have avoided him. As if he didn't get it laying his life down on the line." Bofur began to get angry. "Anyway, what I'm trying to say Lassie is thank you. For not caring about his wound and being a friend to him, so many avoid him because of the wound. Breaks his heart it does. We dwarves are a passionate race, we pour that passion into our craft or our women-folk if we are lucky to have one. Bifur is one of the most passionate of them all and it breaks me own heart to see him treated like he is."
Amelia stood watching Bofur confess unsure of what to do. Acting on instinct she leaned forward and hugged the hurting dwarf. "And I feel privileged to call him friend." She said leaning back eyes full of tears.
"He has a present for you." Bofur commented nodding behind her. Amelia turned to find Bifur walking slowly his hands behind his back. He stopped short of her and handed her the present, more like shoving the present into her hands before looking away red. "He thought you were quiet too so he made you something so you would know you were never alone.
Amelia looked down to the wooden statue in her hands. It was of the whole company. A scene it looked like, there were some trees and the large field. Thorin was sitting leaning under a tree, tiny eyes vigilant. Dwalin stood arms crossed watching the two figures sparing. It was her and Fili, circling each other predatorily. Kili stood farther off his bow out and ready a cheeky smile of his face watching his brother and her spar. Ori sat on a rock writing or drawing in a book, a battle axe leaning against his leg. Bifur stood off to the side his battle spear ready, Gloin next to him with his axe looking down at his locket with his family. Oin sat in a patch of grass, his ear trumpet sitting by an open medical pack ready for any injury. Bofur sat beside Ori a pipe in his mouth a smile lighting his face. Bombur sat off a small way making what looked like stew, Dori standing by him brewing some tea. She noticed Nori leaning on a tree in the shade, looking like he was pocketing something. Bilbo sat a bit in front of them, setting what looked like a picnic out with Balin watching everything a smile on his face. She traced her finger of the small scene marveling at the detail and care of it all.
"Yer not alone Lassie, if you ever forget look at that. You are a part of this company of this family. Tempers can run high and words can be said but don't ye ever forget that. We care about you Lass, after all this you are free to stay with us if you need a home." Bofur said standing next to his cousin who was looking at her nodding happily.
Amelia threw herself at Bifur in a flurry of tears. "Thank you." She hiccupped out. Bifur only pat her back whispering some unknown words to her. She held it to her chest lovingly. "I will treasure this forever."
"We should head back." Bofur stated rubbing the back of his head, he wasn't prepared for tears. Amelia nodded and smiled happily following behind, the weight of Thorin's words lessening on her heart.
When they came back all eyes were on them, well aware of her somewhat red and puffy face. Amelia quickly sat by Fili burrowing into her bed roll smiling still.
"Are you alright?" Fili asked concerned. Amelia looked up at him eyes bright holding her gift out to him.
"Bifur made it for me, isn't it beautiful?" Amelia asked happily.
Fili looked over the small piece of wood carefully. It was indeed expertly done, happy tears he would take any day. He handed it back carefully, watching as Amelia tucked it away safely. Looking up he made eye contact with Bifur, nodding his head in thanks he settled himself down for the night.
The next four days had been hard, there was lots of walking and little talking. Amelia count the days in her head as they went, it had been six days since their departure. Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten – Kili shot a large doe, the company ate well, Bombur skinned the dear giving it over to Dori who Amelia found out was quite the tailor—Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen.
That night Balin and Dwalin finally spoke, Amelia watched carefully. She assumed they agreed to disagree and put the good of the company before their own bickering. Dori continued to work on the deer fur as he did every night. Amelia's mood lightened more and more every day. She had feared Thorin would speak with her about her relation with Fili but left them alone, allowing Amelia to bask in the warmth and comfort of it. No dreams of the future had come to her making her worry.
Fourteen, Fifteen, Sixteen, Seventeen.
They camped that night right on an open path on the mountain, tomorrow they would be travelling through and have to find a cave that night. Dori called Amelia and motioned her over. Amelia followed behind a strong sense of déjà vu reaching her. She found Nori already there, Dori quickly stood beside him.
"I realize that we haven't spoken to you much." Dori started looking at her gently.
"But you have been there for Ori when we could not have been. Dori is over bearing and often pushes the rest of us away." Nori said half teasing half serious. Dori cleared his throat.
"Right. We would like to show you our thanks." Dori brought out pair of socks? And pants. "Sometimes we forget that you are human and this should help to keep you warm, especially the feet, they are to fill your boots. And this." Nori pulled out a small fur hat. Amelia accepted them thankfully marveling at how soft they were.
"I did some stuff to them to keep them soft and warm." Nori stated proudly. "I used to help Dori before I took up other things."
"Bu-" Amelia began to protest.
"No Lass we won't be hearing that. Ori always had trouble fighting in, he's quiet and meek for a dwarf." Dori cut her off.
"But we would never change him." Nori added quickly.
"No we would not. But other dwarves are not always so accepting." Dori finished smiling at her brightly.
"Thank you." Amelia said holding the items marveling at their beauty. "Ori is an amazing dwarf, he will make a great scribe. Dwarves are passionate in everything they put their hearts to." Amelia commented more to herself, though the two brothers heard her.
"Aye he is." Nori commented happy.
"Well that is enough of that. Come we must be getting back." Dori commented walking back swiftly before pausing, "if you ever need a home after all this, you are free to stay with us." He stated refusing to turn around and merely started to walk again.
"He's loyal and caring but he's better at acting like a mother hen then showing it openly." Nori commented to her silently. "You know-"
Amelia looked at him curiously.
"I observe everything and I've noticed something about you. You act like a mother to all of us, kind caring but stern." Nori commented, keeping himself from saying Queen. He was well aware of what Thorin had said, few things slip by him. He also knew how wrong Thorin was, she was perfect for Fili. Because that meant she would be their Queen one day and she would be the only female he would bow to.
The next day the company found themselves walking a narrow path rain pelting their bodies. Amelia was suddenly very thankful for the new pants, and boot liners, as well as the hat. It kept her much warmer than she would have been before. She stood in behind Fili, she refused to stand between them.
She heard a scream and turned her head to see Bilbo starting to slip Dwalin and Bofur quick to grab him.
"Hold on!" Thorin yelled from the front over the raging storm. "We must find shelter!"
"Watch out!" Dwalin screamed from behind her. Amelia watched eyes wide as rocks began to reign down on the company.
"This is no thunderstorm; it's a thunder battle! Look!" Balin cried out. Suddenly, as if possessed by magic Amelia watched as a giant ripped itself from the mountain.
"Well bless me, the legends are true. Giants; Stone Giants!" Bofur cried leaning forward making Amelia scream out at his foolishness, the wind whipping her hair around her face.
"Take cover: you'll fall!" Thorin yelled out to the company, as the rocks started to pelt the company from the sky making their paths more and more narrow. The rocks began to crumble beneath them and Amelia watched in horror as the ground beneath the brothers began to split apart.
"Kili! Grab my hand! KI." Fili called to his brother hopelessly. With growing horror Amelia realized that the entire company was on the giants legs. The great rock beast stood and moved heavily, Amelia watched as the other half of the company jumped to safety.
Amelia grabbed onto Fili's hand tight, her knuckles white. Her eyes met his quickly, showing her fear as the giant they stood on began to move, swooping them down in front of the other half of the company who watched on in horror. She couldn't make out a single thing any of them said all she could see was the rock ledge coming at them quickly. Fili squeezed her hand back and jumped along with the rest of their small group.
Amelia distinctly heard the others calling out for them, their voices thick with worry as they ran around the bend. She could not see them though as Fili held her close to him, his chest blocking out any view that she may have had. If she was being completely honest, Fili was holding her so close that she could hardly breathe.
"We're all right! We're alive!" Balin called out calmly approaching the incoming dwarves.
"Where's Bilbo? Where's the Hobbit?" Bofur cried out suddenly, in a panic. Amelia looked around and heard Ori cry out pointing over the ledge.
"Get him!" Dwalin cried out, his attention now focused on the sobbing wet hobbit handing from the cliff. Ori being the closest quickly lunged toward him, Amelia's breathe coming in a short gasp. Bilbo slipped down the rocky path before Ori could manage to grab onto him. Amelia with many of the others scramble to their feet, reaching over the edge for the hobbit, none of their arms long enough to reach.
Thorin let out a soft growl before leaping over the edge of the cliff, tossing Bilbo up to the reaching hands, his own grip slipping. Amelia let out a slight screech as she watched Thorin begin to fall, quickly being grabbed by Dwalin who hefted him back up to the safety of the small path.
"I thought we'd lost our burglar." Dwalin commented huffing.
"He's been lost ever since he left home. He should never have come. He has no place amongst us. Dwalin!" Thorin called over his shoulder already walking away from the group in search of a place for rest. Wiggling out of Fili's grip Amelia runs over to Bilbo, grabbing the shaking hobbit in a tight embrace.
"Don't worry Bilbo, he's just worried and stressed, he didn't mean it. Come on, they found a cave." Amelia soothed to the dejected creature.
"There's nothing here." Dwalin called out from the back of the cave, satisfaction in his voice.
"Right then! Let's get a fire started." Gloin stated rubbing his hands together happily.
"No, no fires, not in this place. Get some sleep. We start at first light." Thorin commanded to the others finding a spot by the entrance to the cave and setting his bedroll down. Looking around Amelia found Fili and Kili quickly making her way to them, Bilbo trailing behind her. Amelia sat her bedroll down by Fili, Bilbo on her other side. Laying down she closes her eyes, her brow crinkled hearing Thorin and Balin discussing their next course of action.
"I have a bad feeling about this place." Amelia sad looking around fearfully, cuddling closer to Fili who pulled her into his arms. Balin looked over at Amelia curiously, worry in his eyes, her bad feelings usually meant something bad was going to happen and he suddenly wanted out of the cave more so then before.
"Do not worry Laslel, everything will be fine." Fili murmured to her softly.
"Sleep Lassie, Bofur has watch and he will warn us if anything happens." Balin soothed sitting beside his brother who likewise on edge.
Nodding her head Amelia conceded closing her eyes again, leaning further into Fili who continued to mumble soothing words to her, though he was nodding off himself.
…
Feeling a jolt by her Amelia's eyes snapped open watching as Bilbo packed his things silently. She must have turned in her sleep, her back was now against Fili's chest his arms wrapped tightly around her waist his face buried in the back of her neck.
"Where do you think you're going?" Bofur asked fearing the answer.
"Back to Rivendell." Bilbo replied calmly.
"No, no you can't turn back now, you're part of the Company. You're one of us." Bofur said trying to soothe the hobbit.
"I'm not though, am I? Thorin said I should never have come, and he was right. I'm not a Took I'm a Baggins, I don't know what I was thinking. I should never have run out my door." Bilbo muttered bitterly.
Amelia's eyes turned from the figure of Bilbo to Thorin who likewise was awake their eyes meeting. His blue eyes flickered to hers seeing the pain in them, the pain he wrought just like he was doing to Bilbo now.
"You're homesick; I understand." Bofur replied gently.
"No, no you don't, you don't understand! None of you do- you're dwarves. You're used to-to this life, to living on the road, never settling in one place, not belonging anywhere." Bilbo rushed out.
Watching Thorin carefully, Amelia noted a flicker of pain cross his face, marring his features. Smiling gently, Amelia sent him a reassuring look before feeling Fili pull her closer to his body.
"I am sorry, I didn't . . ." Bilbo stuttered.
"No, you're right. We don't belong anywhere. I wish you all the luck in the world. I really do." Bofur said kindly before glancing back toward Amelia. "I think- I think you should take Miss Amelia with you."
Amelia's eyes widened, a stubborn look crossing her face before she cuddle back into Fili, Thorin watching her carefully.
"She has been awful quiet, I worry for her you know. Thorin's temper is sharp and I fear he has hurt her. She's a good Lass, the most loyal thing I've ever met. Laying everything down for us and she deserves the best. I've offered her a place with me after this quest has ended, as the Ri brothers have but I fear she will never be able to live with the dwarves unless it is by Fili's side. Especially if Thorin forces Fili to marry someone else, oh the Lass would be crushed." Bofur murmured to Bilbo. "Take her with you, save her from the heart ache."
Amelia looked down breaking contact with Thorin, tears welling in her eyes. She felt Fili shift slightly tightening his hold on her body. Thorin watched the pair, noting the grief in her eyes, a sliver of guilt building in his chest.
"What's that?" Bofur questioned alarmed pointed to Bilbo's sword.
Amelia eyes snapped up to the glowing sword, her eyes shooting quickly to Thorin's alarmed. The creaking of metal was heard in the quiet night, the dirt they laid in falling in the crack as it appeared beneath them.
"Wake up. Wake up!" Thorin yelled out panicked. Fili woke with a jolt picking Amelia up and throwing her between the brothers, Kili grabbing her other hand. The company barely had time to rub the sleep from their eyes before the ground before them opened, the company tumbling down the rocking and jagged path.
Amelia felt Fili wrap her in his embrace, taking all the bumps against the hard rocks, falling heavily into a make shift cage, metal biting out of it crudely. Horrid screeching noises filled her ears, and hard ugly faces filled her eyes, bearing down on her and the others with a passion.
"Amelia!" Fili called, showing his way back to her not caring that his weapons were being taken from him. Reaching forward he pulled her hat off of her head, piling her hair on top and shoving the hat back. Grabbing her hand tightly he allowed the goblins to push him along, making certain that Amelia was in the middle of the group, Kili suddenly appearing on her other side.
Amelia may have faced Trolls, Orcs, and Wargs but that did not prepare her for the scene around them. Thousands of goblins littered every possible surface of the cracked wood and bones of the underground town. The goblins continued on pushing the company with them, poking and prodding at the ones on the outside of the group.
"I feel a song coming on."
Snapping up, Amelia fights the snort of disgust that threatened to leave her mouth. The Goblin was huge, much bigger than any of the other ones, but he was not muscular, no not in the least this Goblin was fat. His legs and arms wrinkled and pulsed with boils and warts. He wore only a loincloth around his waist, Amelia thanking whatever god was here for that! A round face, covered in boils looked down at the group, his small beady eyes greedy. The giant creature jumped down from his throne, twirling around the small platform singing and dancing. The company shifted uncomfortably around the platform, Bifur and Bofur standing in front of her to block her from his view. Fili and Kili on her sides, Dwalin standing behind her flanked by Balin and Gloin.
It seemed as if the Giant Goblin had forgotten about their presence as he continued to sing merrily, the other goblins around joining in. As he sung his entire body jiggled with him, the warts straining to pop open. Turning he used some of his Goblins, stepping on their bodies like steps to sit himself back on his throne.
"Catching isn't it?" He asked happily. "It's one of my own compositions."
"That's not a song, that's an abomination!" Balin cried stepping forward slightly, making the other goblins around them yell back.
"Abomination, mutation, deviations. That's all you're gonna find down here." He retorted. The Goblins around them stripped the dwarves of the last of their weapons before throwing them down in a pile. "Who would be so bold as to come armed into my kingdom? Spies? Thieves? Assassins?"
"Dwarves, your Malevolence." A goblin responded stepping forward.
"Dwarves?" The Goblin King questioned.
"We found them on the front porch." The other goblin responded, his buck teeth shooting forward.
"Well, don't just stand there; search them! Every crack, every crevice." The Goblin King ordered, his minions quickly surrounding the company. One goblin jumped forward, ripping Amelia's hat from her head, smiling malignantly at her. Fili snarled at the goblin pulling her closer.
Amelia watched as the pile of weapons grew larger and larger until they got their hands on Nori's sack containing his 'keepsakes' from the journey. "It is my belief, your great Protuberance that they are in league with the elves!" Another goblin cried out holding out a candle holder to the King.
The Goblin King took the candle holder from the small goblin quickly, bringing it closer to his face to examine. "Made in Rivendell." He read slowly. Scoffing he throws it away. "Made in the second age, couldn't give it away."
Amelia watched as many of the dwarves turned their attention to Nori quickly, their eyes daggers. "Just a couple of keepsakes." He mumbled to them.
"What are you doing in these parts?" The Goblin King questioned loudly. Oin stepped forward halting Thorin.
"Don't worry lads, I'll handle this." He told the others making his way to the front.
"No tricks!" The Goblin King ordered pointed a stubby finger at Oin. "I want the truth, warts and all." He commanded sitting back on his throne.
"You are going to have to speak up, your boys flattened my trumpet." Oin commented holding his flattened trumpet up.
The Goblin King stalked forward his face pulled into a snarl. "I'll flatten more than your trumpet!"
"If it's more information you're looking for I'm the one you should speak to." Bofur said coming forward. The Goblin king stopped short in his rant nodding at Bofur to continue. "We were on the road, well it's not so much a road as a path, actually it's not even that come to think of it—it's more like a track. Anyway the point is we were on this road like a path like a track, and then we weren't. Which is a problem because we were supposed to be in Dunland last Tuesday."
"Visiting distant relations." Dori added helpfully, making Bofur nod.
"Some in breeds on my mother's side." Bofur said thoughtfully.
The Goblin King cut him off annoyed. "Shut up!" He yelled making the Goblins all fall back in fear. "If they will not talk, we'll make them squawk! Bring out the Mangler! Bring out the Bone Breaker! Start with the female." He commented pointing directly at Amelia. The goblins around her started to push some dwarves aside. Fili quickly went on the offense kicking away any Goblins around them, pushing Amelia into Kili's arms.
"Wait." Thorin commanded.
"Well, well, well, look who it is. Thorin son of Thrain, son of Thror; King under the Mountain. Oh but I'm forgetting, you're not a king. Which makes you nobody, really." The Goblin replied snidely.
Amelia's temper flared, though she shouldn't have a reason with how Thorin treated her but she couldn't help herself. She stepped forward yelling at the Goblin King. "He's more of a King then you could ever dream to be, you Giant pile of filth! At least those that follow him do it from loyalty and not fear! And he treats them much better then you could ever dream of! So you know what-" Kili quickly placed his hand over her mouth, muffled curses flying at the Goblin King.
"Them? Are you not included little girl?" The Goblin King remarked. "I know someone who would pay a pretty price for your head." He said turning back to Thorin smirking. "Just the head, nothing attached. Perhaps you know of whom I speak, an old enemy of yours. A pale Orc astride a white Warg."
Thorin's head shot up, his brows raised. "Azog the Defiler was destroyed. He was slain in battle long ago."
"So you think his defiling days are done, do you?" The Goblin King questioned looking over to Amelia. "Send word to the Pale Orc; tell him I have found his prize and a bonus." He said smiling cruelly at Amelia.
Amelia watched as a tiny Goblin in a makeshift basket was carried away cackling to himself. The company watched as Goblins came in carrying massive machines, the Goblin King singing merrily in the background. One of the Goblins screeched loudly, throwing Thorin's sword to the ground, the other Goblins struggling to get away from it.
"I know that sword! It is the Goblin-Cleaver, the Biter, the blade that sliced a thousand necks. Slash them! Beat them! Kill them all! Cut off his head!" The Goblin King screamed scrambling back away from the sword.
The hoard of Goblins merged in on the company, kicking and biting at them. Amelia struggled against them, as the others did punching and kicking everything and anything that came near her. A blinding white exploded in the underground town, knocking everyone to their knees. Dust and debris filled the air, as a tense silence hung.
"Take up arms. Fight. Fight!" Gandalf commanded to the group. The company complied quickly, jumping up grabbing whatever weapons they could get their hands on and swinging it at the Goblins.
The Goblin King cowered back, his body and voice quivering. "He wields the Foe-Hammer, the Beater, bright as daylights!" The Dwarves grabbed weapons blindly, tossing them to each other, making certain that they were in the hands of their rightful owner.
"Follow me. Quick! Run!" Gandalf commanded, grabbing a bag from the ground and slinging it over his shoulder and leading the way from the 'throne room', the other's close behind.
Amelia blocked out the other dwarves, she knew they would be fine, instead she focused on the enemies around. Praising Mahal above, she slashed everything that came near her, suddenly grateful for Dwalin's teachings. She made certain that she was in sight of Fili, knowing he was doing the same and would panic if she wondered too far from him.
"Jump!" Thorin yelled at the group already jumping. The company crossed over the unsteady wood cutting the rope behind him preventing the Goblins from following. The Goblin King appeared before the company preventing them from going any farther.
"You thought you could escape me? What are you going to do now, wizard?" The Goblin King ground out. Gandalf stepped forward poking the Goblin King in the eye making him drop his weapon and groan in pain. Raising his head, Gandalf thrust his sword forward slicing it over the Goblin King's stomach.
Groaning the Goblin King clutched his stomach, falling to his knees. "That'll do it." He stated as Gandalf swung his sword again, slicing its neck. The Goblin King fell forward, the bridge cracking beneath his weight.
Amelia took a deep breathe knowing what was coming next. The Bridge gave out beneath them, sliding quickly down the cave floors. Suddenly wishing that she was on a rollercoaster instead Amelia tightened her grip on the bridge her knuckles white.
The bridge landed on the base of the floor with a loud thump, dust and wood flying out. Gandalf quickly made his way out of the bridge, turning and grabbing Amelia by his side.
"Well, that could have been worse." Bofur commented relieved to be alive. Amelia grimaced as the body of the Goblin King fell on top of the dwarves squishing them beneath the rubble.
"You've got to be joking!" Dwalin cried out struggling to get out. Looking for Fili, Amelia ran to his side helping pull him out of the rubble before moving onto the next dwarf.
"Gandalf!" Kili cried on his back staring wide eyed at the oncoming hoard. Amelia whipped her head around, her hands still clasped in Thorin's.
"There's too many! We can't fight them." Dwalin yelled out from his position.
"Only one thing will save us: daylight! Come on! Here, on your feet!" Gandalf added running away toward, hopefully, an exit.
Amelia turned back to Thorin her breathe coming in gasp. Planting her feet firmly she tugged on Thorin yanking his body free from the rubble the force making her fall back awkwardly. Amelia screamed in pain, trying to right herself her hands clasped around her ankle. Thorin scrambled to his feet, scooping up the girl in his arms, running with her.
